Ranger Dobson is an NCR Ranger scouting out in Hidden Valley in 2281.
Background
Ranger Dobson is an NCR Ranger camping out in the hidden bunkers at Hidden Valley out on an NCR Correctional Facility reconnaissance mission. He is unaware of the nearby Brotherhood presence and is having problems getting his radio to work.
Interactions with the player character
Interactions overview
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This character is essential. Essential characters cannot be killed. | |
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This character is a permanent companion. They grant the - perk. | |
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This character is a temporary companion. | |
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This character starts quests. | |
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This character is a doctor. |
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This character is a merchant. |  -Sells: - |
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This character can repair items. | Max Repair condition: - |
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This character can modify weapons. |
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This character rents beds. | -.
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Quests
Still in the Dark: McNamara wants Dobson gone from the area. He can be killed or tricked into leaving (requires Speech 50). However, you cannot talk to him if your reputation with the NCR is bad. Alternatively, he can be warned about the Brotherhood of Steel; however, this will cause the quest to fail. Dobson will remove the collar from the Courier's neck and the Brotherhood will attack. If he survives, he returns to the base and the Courier will gain fame with the NCR.
Inventory
| Apparel | Weapon | Other items | On death |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCR Ranger patrol armor Ranger hat |
Hunting rifle | - | - |
Notes
- If you choose to smash the broken Ham radio while Dobson is looking, he will become hostile and attack you. However, if you can make him leave the bunker after stealing the supplies and then smash the radio, the quest should complete and Dobson will not attack you.
- If you choose the Speech check to complete the objectives, the next time you return to the bunker you can still find him there about to depart. Beware of a great amount of grenade bouquets which are enough to fill the whole place with explosions. Dobson will also have left an accompanying note.
- His journal in his hide-out can be read in two stages. Entry one before having met McNamara and starting Still in the Dark, the other three entries after starting this quest.
Notable quotes
- "Thought you'd sneak up on me, you filthy powder ganger?"
- "You've seen that with your own two eyes? Goddamn, I knew Cooke's gang passed through these parts 'bout that frequently, but I didn't know they holed up here."
- "A Brotherhood base? Here? Are you shitting me? No one's seen them for years. I don't suppose you've got a scrap of evidence to support this wild-eyed claim of yours?"
Appearances
Dobson appears only in Fallout: New Vegas.
Bugs
- Dobson may appear in the Southern Hidden Valley Bunker, although he will be invisible. The "talk" button will still appear but it will do nothing. Shooting near him in this state will make him say things like, "Watch where you're shooting". [verified]
- Sometimes, if Dobson survives the encounter with the Brotherhood, the player may still not gain any reputation from the NCR. [verified]
- He sometimes may be found just outside of Hidden Valley, although everything else is the same except his position. You can still talk to him about leaving the bunker. [verified]
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